Back-filling machine



June 2, 1931.

J. HozAcK 1,808,139

BACK FILLING MACHINE Filed June 25. 192s s sheets-sheet 1 s i f 2s si -v REQ il f Q U 1 J 1v u y V vr A N Y n H Q I N 1 EN I A'lTORN EYS June 2, 1931. J. HOZACK BACK FILLING .MACHINE Filed June 25. 1928 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 "Illlu MII ' ATTORNEYS.

June 2, 1931. 1 HQZACK 1,808,139

BACK FILLING MACHINE Filed June 25. 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Y INVENTOR ATTORNEYS.

Patented `une 2, l1931 'UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JAMES HOZACK, OF BELLEVILLE, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO ESSEX ENGINE & MA- CHINE CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY BACK-FILLING Macrinzm `.Application led June 25,

This invention relates particularly to a back-filling machine, that is a machine for pushing dirt back into a ditch or trench for the purpose of filling the same, although the invention is applicable to other different purposes, for example to road scrapers or graders or to other machines used for pushing operations. A

One object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved construction in a machine of the character described comprising a suitable power driven unit, such as a tractor, having mounted thereon mechanism for pushing dirt or the like under the power of the tractor or the like, the invention being particularly directed toward the mounting and i manipulation of the pushing mechanism on the power unit.

A further object is to provide a novel and improved construction of pushing mechanismand mounting thereof on the power driven unit whereby efficient leverage for operating of the pushing element is obtained so that the pushing element may be quickly raised and lowered with a small amount of energy.

Other objects are to provide a machine of this character comprising a sub-frame which is directly connected to the frame of the power unit or tractor and upon which is pivotally mounted intermediate lits ends upon a horizontal axis and intermediate the ends of the power driven unit` a pusher frame having at one end in Jfront ot' the power driven unit a pusher clement, said pusher frame being swingable about its axis to raise and lower the pusher element by a power mechanism disposed at the rear of the power unit or tractor and connected between the rear end of the pusher frame and the rear end of the sub-frame: to provide such a machine wherein the sub-trame and the pusher frame are substantially rectangular with the sub-frame arranged within the pusher frame and surrounding the power unit, said frames being in approximately the same horizontal plane; to provide means for connecting between the rear end of the sub-.trame and the rear end of 'the pusher frame, a piston and cylinder device operated by a fluid pressure for swinging the pusher frame, and to obtain other 1928. Serial No. 288,001.

advantages and results as will be brought out by the following description.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, in' which corresponding and like parts are designated throughout the several views by the same reference characters- Figure 1 is a side elevation of a back-filling machine embodying my invention7 the power unit or tractor being shown schematically for clearness in illustration.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the machine.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rear end of the machine with the pump and piping omitted, and

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the fluid pressure pump, piping and the piston and cylinder device.

Specicall describingthe illustrated embodiment ofy the invention, the reference character A designates the chassis or body of a power unit which in the present insta-nce is shown as a known type of tractor having the usual self-laying tracks B. The frame or chassis A of the tractor has a shaft C projecting from opposite sides thereof and supporting the endless track guides D, and it is upon the ends of this shaft frame E of my pushing mechanism is mounted. v

This sub-frame is substantially rectangular in plan view and comprises sides 1 and ends 2 which are shown as formed of I-beams connected together at their ends so that the frame surrounds the tractor or power unit as clearly shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. Intermediate their ends the side pieces 1 have secured thereto bearing members 3 which are fitted upon the ends of the shaft C by nuts 4. The forward end of the sub-frame E, that is the end of the frame at the Jfront of the tractor, is connected to the body of the chassis of the tractor in any suitable manner, As shown, cap screws 200 passing through openings 201 in the end piece 2 of the frame E, are threaded into the chassis.

At the rear end of the sub-frame E, means is provided which both connects said frame to the chassis of the tractor and also serves for connecting the power mechanism for operatthat the sub-` Huid pressure the pusher frame F. This means is shown as consisting of a special plate 5 secured to the rear end of the chassis and having an opening 6 through which the power shaft of the tractor extends. The top of this plate 5 is formed with a lug 7 to which is connected by a bolt 8 a pair of angle irons 9 which extend upwardly and rearwardly and have their outer ends bent so asto be disposed in a substantially horizontal plane, as indicated at 10. To the outer ends of angle irons 10 is connected the base portion of a substantially inverted U-shaped strut 11 having its ends connected to the rear end of the sub-frame by bolts 'or the like 12. The strut and angle irons 9 thus form a tripod with one foot on the tractor and the other two feet upon the sub-frame.

The pusher frame Fis also substantially rectangular and comprises side pieces 13 and end pieces 14 connected at their ends so as to surround the sub-frame E. The side pieces 13 are pivotally connected on a horizontal axis intermediate their ends to the side pieces of the sub-frame E intermediate the ends of the latter as indicated at 15. connection is shown as comprising a pair of plates 16 one secured to the web of each side pieces 1 and 13 and havinga pivot pin 17 passing therethrough. The pusher frame F is therefore swingable about the horizontal axis. The ends of the side pieces 13 extend beyond the front end piece, 14 and a pusher element 18 is connected to the pusher frame at this end in any suitablev manner. As shown the pusher element comprises a plate 19 having at its rear side four pairs of vertically disposed angle irons 20 between the flanges of each pair of which is connected adjacent the upper ends thereof oneend of a strut 21, the other end of which is connected as at 22 to the pusher frame. The lower ends of the flanges 20 are similarly connected by struts 23 to the pusher frame except that the end pairs of angle irons 2O are connected to the outer ends o f. large struts 24 the other ends of which are riveted at 25 to the webs of the extremities of the side pieces 13. lVith this construction it will be observed that by swinging the rear end of the sub-frame F the pusher 18 may be raised and lowered. It will also be observed that the particular arrangement and pivotal mounting of the usher' frame F provides eflieient leverage or so swinging the pusher frame, and the strains incident to both the-weight of the pushing. apparatus and the resistance produced by pushing operations are applied to the power unit or tractor at approximately the center thereof so that great power is efficiently utilized.

Any suitable means may be used for swinging the pusher frame to raise and lower the pusher, but preferably a fluid pressure mechanism, particularly a hydraulic apparatus,

This pivotal is em loyed. Accordingly I have shown the cylin( er 26 pivotally connected at one end 27 to the rear end of the pusher frame F and having a. piston 28 therein which is provided with a. piston rod 29 extending from the other end of the cylinder and pivotally connected at 30 to the outer ends 10 of the angle irons 9. This cylinder has at its opposite ends hose connections 31 for permitting oil under pressure to be supplied and exhausted from the respect-ive ends of the cylinder. T hcse hoseconnections are in turn connected by pipes to two ports of a four-way -valve 33, theother two ports of which are connect-v ed by pipes 34 and 35 to a pump 36. This pump may be of any suitable construction, preferably a. rotary pump, and is shown as mounted by brackets 37 upon the plate 5. The shaft of the pump is connected to the shaft 38 of the tractor by any suitable coupling (not shown). With this construction, andwith particular reference to Figure 4 of the drawings, it will be observed that the oil in the system may be alternately supplied to and exhausted from the ends of the cylinder 26 by manipulation of the valve 33, and thereby may the pusher frame F be swung to raise and lower the pusher 18. Ordinarily the pressure in the pipes 32, 34, and 35 is suflicient to operate the piston and cylinder device 26, 28 and to provide for excess pressure under any conditions, for example, when the pushing 'apparatus is not being operated I may connect a tank 39 by pipes 40 to opposite sides of the pump 36 and insert a pressure regulating valve 41 in the piping to permit by-passing of the oil through the tank when a pre-determined pressure is reached. This construction is in general old and Well-known and no claim to novelty is made thereon.

The operation of the machine will be understood from the foregoing but may besummarized as follows: The pusher 18 is normally raised from the ground during movement of the tractor A which is operated in the usual way, the pusher beingheld oi'the ground by operation of the piston and cylinder mechanism 26, 28 by proper mani lation of the valve 33 which is preferably arranged adjacent the seat of the operator of the tractor and. controlled by a suitable lever 42. lVhen it is desired to lower the pusher to the ground the valve "handle 42 is moved to the dotted line position of Figure 4, while when it is desired to raise the pusher, the valve handle is moved to the solid line position of Figure 4. Obviously, at any time the valve handle 42 can be swung into neutral or vertical position on Fi ure 4 to trap the oil in both ends of the cyhnder and lock the piston against movement in either direction.

It will be understood that the specific details of construction herein described are primarily for the purpose of illustrating the ll of the invention.

The term tractor as used in the following claims is intended to include all power driven vehicles or traveling carriag Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

' 1. rA machine of the character described comprising a tractor, sub-frame members mounted on said tractor at opposite sides of the same in enclosing relation with respect to t-he running gear thereof and fixed with respect to said tractor, a pusher 'frame pivotally mounted on said sub-frame members outside the same to swing about a horizontal axis,

a pusher on said pusher frame, and meansl for swinging said pusher frame about said ax1s.

2. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, a sub-frame mounted on said tractor in enclosing relat-ion with respect to the running gear thereof and fixed with respect to said tractor, a pusher frame pivotally mounted on said'sub-frame outside the same to swing about a horizontal axis, a pusher on said pusher frame,I and means for swinging said pusher frame about said axis.l

3. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, a substantially rectangular sub-frame mounted thereon and surrounding the same, a pusher frame pivotally mounted on the sides of said sub-frame outside the same to swing about a horizontal axis and having a pusher at oney end in front of said tractor, and means for swinging said pusher frame about said axis.

4. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, a substantially rectangular sub-frame mounted thereon and surrounding the same, a pusher frame pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on Vthe sides of said sub-frame to swing about a Nhorizontal axis and having a pusher at the front end ahead of said tractor, and Ameans connected between the rear ends ofsaid frames for swinging said pusher frame about said axis. y

5..A machine of the character described comprising` a tractor, a substantially rectangular sub-frame mounted thereon and surrounding the same, a pusher frame pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on the sides4 of said sub-frame to swing about a horizontal axis and having a pusher at the front end ahead of said tractor, a cylinder and piston each having one end pivotally connected to one of said frames so vas to swing the pusher frame upon relative movementof the cylinder and piston, and means for supplying and exhausting fluid under pressure to and from opposite ends of said cylinder to cause the same inr enclosing relation with respect.A

to the runnin gear thereof and fixed with respect to said tractor, a pusher frame ivotally mounted on said sub-frame mem ers outside the same to swing about a horizontal axis, a cylinder and piston having their opposite ends pivotally connected to said frames so as to swing the pusher frame upon relative movement of the cylinder and piston, and means for supplying and exhausting fluid under pressure to and from opposite ends of said cylinder to cause relative movement of the cylinder and piston.

7.'A machine of the characterV described comprising a tractor, a sub-frame mounted on said tractor in enclosing relation with respect to the running gear thereof'and fixed with respect to said tractor, a pusher frame pivotally mounted on said sub-frame outside the same to swing about a horizontal axis, a cylinder and piston having their opposite ends pivotally connected to said frames so as to vswing the pusher frame upon relative movement of the cylinder and piston, and means for supplying and exhausting fluid under pressure to and from opposite ends of said cylinder to cause relative movement of the cylinder and piston.

8. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor including a frame having a transverse shaft therein the ends of which extend at opposite sides of said frame,

,a sub-frame connected to said ends of said mounted on the sides of said sub-frame out-1' side the same to swing about a horizontal axis and having a pusher at one-vend in front of said tractor, and means for swinging said pusher frame about said axis.

10. A pushing device for a tractor having a transverse shaft the ends of which extend at opposite sides of said tractor comprising a sub-frame for mounting on said ends of said shaft, means for connecting said subframe to the front of said tractor frame, a pusher frame pivotally mounted on the outer sides of said sub-frame to swing about a horizontal axis, a pusher at one end of Said pusher frame ahead of said tractor, and

. means connected to the other end of said pusher frame for swinging the same about said axis.

11. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, a sub-framel mounted thereon and surrounding the same in fixed relation thereto, a pusher frame outside said sub-frame pivotallyv lnou'ntedon the sides thereof to swing about av horizontal axis and having a pusher at its end in front of said tractor, and means for swinging said pusher frame about said axis.

12. A machine of the character' described comprising a tractor, a subframe surrounding the same and connected to the front and sides thereof, a pusher frame outside the subframe -pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on the sides of said sub-frame to swing about a horizontal axis and having a pusher at the front end. ahead of said tractor, and means connected between the rear ends of said frames for swinging said pusher frame about said axis.

13. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, asub-franrc mounted on said tractor in enclosing relation with respect to the running gear thereof and xedly connected to the front and rear of said tractor, a pusher frame pivotally mounted on said sub-frame outside the same to swing about a. horizontal axis, a pusher on said pusher frame, and means for swinging said pusher frame about said axis.

14. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, a sub-frame surrounding the same and fixed thereto, a pusher frame outside said sub-frame and connected thereto for bodily swinging movement thereon, a pusher on said pusher fra-me, and means for swinging said pusher frame.

`15. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor provided with lateral projections, a sub-frame surrounding said tractor and mounted on said projections in fixed relation to the tractor, a pusher frame pivotally mounted on said sub-frame, a pusher on said pusher frame, and means, for swinging said pusher frame.

16. The combination with. a tractor pro-- vided with shaft ends projecting from-.the sides thereof beyond the traction elements of said tractor, a sub-frame mounted on said shaft ends outside of and enclosing said traction elements and connected to the front of the tractor, a pusher frame mounted on said sub-frame, a pusher on said pusher frame, and means for swinging said pusher frame with respect to said sub-frame.

17. The combination with a tractor provided with shaft ends projecting from the sides thereof beyond the traction elements of said tractor, a sub-frame mounted on said shaft ends outside of and enclosing said traction elements and connected tothe front and the rear of the tractor, Aa pusher frame mounted on said sub-frame a pusher on said pusher frame, and means for swingin said pusher frame with respect to said subame.

18. Combined with a tractor of thetraction belt type, an enclosing sub-frame mounted on said tractor in fixed relation thereto, a pusher'frame pivoted on said sub-frame, apusher attached to the front end of said pusher frame, and means at the rear for depressing the pusher frame for elevating the pusher.

19. Combined with a traction beltvtractor having a tractor driven force pump and oil supply, a sub-frame fixed on the tractor in enclosing relation with respect to tle running gear thereof, a pusher frame in enclosing relation to the sub-frame, and Aa hydraulic jack between said sub-frame and pusher frame in operative connection with` said pump and oil supply for swinging said pusher frame with respect to the sub-frame.

Q0. Combined with a traction belt tractor having a tractor driven force pump and oil supply, a sub-frame fixed on the tractor in enclosing relation with respect to the running gear thereof, a pusher frame enclosing said sub-frame, a tripod upon the rear end of the sub-frame, and a hydraulic jack in operative connection with said tripod, pusher frame and force pump.

21. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, a sub-frame in enclosing relation to said tractor and connected thereto at its front end, a strut upon the rear end of said sub-frame, a brace extending from said strut to the tractor, a pusher frame enclosing said sub-frame and plvoted thereon, and a hydraulic ack between the rear of said pusher frame and said brace and strut.

22. The combination with1 a tractor having a rearwardly projecting power shaft, a plate secured to the tractor around said shaft, a

secured to the tractor around said shaft, av

pump mounted on said plate and driven from said shaft, a sub-frame in enclosing relation to said tractor and fixed thereto at its front end, a strut upon the rear end of said subframe, a brace extending from said strut to said plate, a pusher frame enclosing said subframe and pivoted thereon, a. pusher at the front end of said pusher frame, a hydraulic jack between the rear of said pusher frame g for swinging it about its said axis.

25. A machine of the character ,described comprising a tractor, a substantially rectangular sub-frame surrounding said tractor and xedly connected to the front and sides thereof, a substantially rectangular pusher frame outside said sub-frame and pivotally mounted on the sides thereof to swing about a hori,

zontal axis, a pusher at the front end of said pusher frame, and means connected between the rear ends of said frames for swinging said pusher frame about its said axis.

26. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, sub-frame members mounted on said tractor at opposite sides of the frame in enclosing relation with respect to the running gear thereof and-fixed with respect to said tractor, a substantially rectangular pusher frame outside said tractor and sub-frame and pivotally mounted on said sub-frame members to swing'about a horizontal axis, and means for swinging said pusher Jframe about said axis.

27. The combination of a tractor provided with lateral projections, a substantially rectangular sub-frame mounted on said projections in fixed relation to the tractor, a pusher frame mounted on the sides of said sub-frame outside the same, and means for swinging saidV pusher frame with respect to said subframe.

28. The combination with a tractor provided with bearings projecting laterally from the sides thereof beyond the traction elements on said tractor, a substantially rectangular sub-frame having its side members mounted on said bearings, said members being bent upward forward of said bearings and secured to the tractor across the front thereof, a

pusher frame pivotally mounted on said sub- `frame members to swing about a horizontal axis, and means for swinging said ypusher frame about said axis.

29. The combination of a tractor provided with lateral projections, a substantially rectangular sub-frame mounted on said p-rojections and ixedly connected to the front and rear of the tractor, a pusher frame mounted on said sub-frame, and means for swinging said pusher frame with respect to said subframe.

30. The combination of altractor provided with lateral projections, a sub-frame mounted on said projections and ixedly connected to the tractor, a substantially rectangular pusher frame mounted on said sub-frame outside the same, and means vfor swingin said pusher frame with respect to said subrame.

31. A pushing device fora tractor compris-- ing subrame members for mounting on said tractor at opposite sides of the same in enclosin relation with respect to the running gear tiereof and fixed with respect to the tractor, a pusher frame pivotally mounted on said sub-frame members outside the same to swing about a horizontal axis, and means for swinging said pusher frame aboutl said axis.

32. A pushing device for a tractor comprising a sub-frame for mounting on the tractor and surrounding the same in fixed relation thereto, a pusher frame pivotally prising a substantiallyrectangular sub-frame.

for mounting on the tractor and surrounding the same in fixed relation thereto, a substantially rectangular pusher frame pivotally mounted on the sides of said sub-frame to swing about a horizontal axis, and means between the rear ends of said frames for swinging said pusher frame about its said axis.

prising a substantially rectangular subframe for mounting on the tractor andgsurrounding the same in fixed relation thereto, a substantially rectangular pusher frame pivotally mounted on the sides of said sub-frame to swing about a horizontal axis, a cylinder and piston having their opposite ends pivotally connected to the rear ends of said frames, and means for supplying and exhausting fluid under pressure to and from opposite ends of said cylinder to cause relative movement of the cylinder and piston.

36. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, a sub-frame fixedly mounted upon said tractor in enclosing relal tion thereto, a pivoted pusher frame also in enclosing relation to the tractor, and means for swinging said pusher frame with respect to said sub-frame.

37. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, a sub-frame fixedly mounted upon said tractor in enclosing relation thereto, a pivoted pusher frame also in enclosing relation to the tractor, and means connecting said frames for swinging the 35. A pushing device for a tractor com-l ica pusher framewith respect to the sub-frame.l

38. The combination with a tractor pro vided with lateral projections, of a sub-frame mounted on 4said projections in fixed relation to the tractor, a pivoted pusher frame in cnclosing relation to the tractor, and means for swinging said pusher frame with .respect to said sub-frame.

39. The combination with a tractor provided with lateral projections, of a sub-frame mounted on said projections and lixedl connected to the rear of the tractor, a pivoted pusher frame in enclosing relation to the tractor, and means. for swinging said pusher frame with respect to said sub-frame.

40. The combination with a tractor, of an enclosing sub-frame having side members aud a back member all fixedly connected to the tractor, a pusher frame pivoted in enclosing relation to the tractor, and means for swinging said pusher frame with respect to said sub-frame.

41. The combination with a tractor, of a sub-frame extending across the back of the tractor outside of the saine and ixedly secured thereto, a pusher frame pivoted at the sides of the tractor and extending across the front thereof in encloslng relation to the .sub-frame, and means for swinging said upon a horizontal axis without interfering with said sub-frame, a pusher on said pusher frame, and means connected to said subframc and pusher frame for swinging the latter.

44. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, a sub-frame ixedly mounted thereon in enclosing relation thereto and extending across the rear of the tractor, a pusher frame pivotally mounted outside said sub-frame to swing upon a horizontal axis without interfering with said sub-frame and having a pusher at the front of the tra-ctor, and means connected to said sub-frame and pusher frame for swinging the latter.

45. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor provided with lateral projections, a sub-frame mounted on said projections in fixed relation to the tractor, a

pusher frame pivotally mounted outside said sub-frame to swing upon a horizontal axis without interfering with said sub-frame, a pusher on said pusher frame, and means for comprising a tractor provided with lateral projections, a sub-frame mounted on said projections and extending across the rear lof the tractor in fixed relation thereto, a pusher frame pivotally mounted at the sides of the tractor to swing upon a horizontal axis and having a pusher at the front of the tractor, and means connected to said sub-frame and pusher frame for swinging the latter.

48. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor, a sub-frame fixedly mounted thereon and extending across the rear of the tractor, a pusher frame. pivoted to swing upon a horizontal axis and having a pusher at the front of the tractor, and means connected to said sub-frame and pusher frame for swinging the latter.

49. A machine of the character described comprising a tractor provided with lateral projections, asub-frame mounted on said proj eetions in xed relation to the tractor and extending across the rear thereof, a pusher frame pivoted to swing upon a horizontal axis and having a pusher at the front of the tractor, and means connected to said subframe and pusher frame for swinging the latter. n

50. A machinefof the character described .comprising a` tractor, a sub-frame mounted on said tractor in fixed relation thereto, a pusher frame pivoted to swing upon a horizontal axis intermediate the ends of the tractor without striking said sub-frame, a pusher on said pusher frame at the front of the tractor, and means connected to said subframe and pusher, frame'for swinging the latter.

` JAMES HOZACK. 

